You can choose to count beans, peas, and lentils as part of the Vegetable Group or the Protein Foods Group depending on how they fit into your overall eating pattern. They are excellent sources of dietary fiber and nutrients such as folate and potassium, similar to vegetables.

Can beans count as a serving of vegetables?

Beans fall under the vegetable subgroup in the USDA Dietary Guidelines. However, beans are legumes and do not count as a vegetable serving. Rather, they count as a protein serving.

Are beans considered vegetables?

Many people consider beans and peas as vegetarian alternatives for meat. However, they are also considered part of the Vegetable Group because they are excellent sources of dietary fiber and nutrients such as folate and potassium. Therefore, individuals can count beans and peas as either a vegetable or a protein food.

80g of beans and pulses. These only count once as part of your 5 A Day, no matter how many you eat. This is because although they’re a good source of fibre, they contain fewer nutrients than other fruits and vegetables.